“D.J. Fluker from Alabama, who is a right tackle or guard, could be an interesting guy at 12,” Kiper said.

Given the Dolphins’ recent history of going somewhat against the grain in taking center Mike Pouncey and quarterback Ryan Tannehill in the first round the last two years, and trading into the second round to select running back Daniel Thomas, a little out-of-the-box thinking isn’t unreasonable.

Kiper was asked what player would fit that bill this year.

Kiper discounted players such as West Virginia wide receiver Tavon Austin, who would be surprising because he’s smallish and the Dolphins already have their speed receiver in Mike Wallace, Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro (Dolphins safety Chris Clemons signed a one-year contract), and North Carolina guard Jonathan Cooper, rated as one of the best all-around players in the draft, and went right to Fluker.

“The guy is as good as run-blocking right tackle as you’ll ever find, could be a guard,” Kiper said. “Some think he could be a left tackle. I question that but I think D.J. Fluker from Alabama would be interesting at 12.”

Interestingly, an offensive lineman might be an easier sell to fans this year considering the Dolphins have beefed up their offensive firepower but still need to replace left tackle Jake Long. The upgrades at wide receiver and tight end would be rendered meaningless if quarterback Ryan Tannehill is constantly under pressure.

If, in fact, Fluker (6-5, 339) can play right tackle, left tackle or right guard, he could have tremendous value.

Right now many draft projections have Fluker going somewhere between Nos. 18 and 25 in the first round, but some have him going in the second round.

Fluker going at No. 12, especially if the Dolphins bypassed a player such as Oklahoma tackle Lane Johnson in the process, would definitely be doing the unexpected.

Among the other Dolphins’ first-round picks that could deviate from the norm there’s tight end, where Dustin Keller isn’t especially athletic and is on a one-year contract, or defensive tackle, where starters Paul Soliai and Randy Starks are both scheduled to become free agents at season’s end.

Cornerback is an area of need and wouldn’t represent out-of-the-box thinking. The same goes for pass rusher.

A few other positions – quarterback, running back and linebacker, for example – are completely out of the question for the Dolphins in the first round.

Fluker probably wouldn’t be a popular first-round pick among many Dolphins fans, but if you suspect Miami might do the slightly unexpected, Kiper says keep an eye on Fluker.